What Maylor Point Offers

Maylor Point is a small public access area on the east side of Whidbey Island, near Oak Harbor, that gives you shallow-water fishing in a protected bay setting. The point juts into the water and creates a natural gathering spot for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye, especially during spring and fall transitions. The bottom is mostly sand and mud with scattered eelgrass beds—the kind of structure that holds fish predictably rather than requiring you to hunt.

The real advantage here is that you can fish it from shore or a small boat without dealing with the open-water conditions of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The water stays calmer than the western side of the island, and the shallow flats mean you're not fighting strong currents or deep-water structure that demands specialized tackle. If you're coming from the mainland and want a straightforward half-day without a long boat ride, this is the kind of place that delivers.

Key Takeaways

  • Maylor Point is a public access point on Whidbey Island's east side, best fished from shore or a small boat in shallow water.
  • Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye are the primary species; spring and fall are the most productive seasons.
  • Sand and mud bottom with eelgrass beds create predictable structure that doesn't require specialized deep-water techniques.
  • The protected bay setting means calmer water and fewer strong currents than the western side of the island.
  • Parking and access are limited, so arrive early and check current conditions before making the drive from Oak Harbor.

Getting There and What to Bring

Maylor Point is roughly 10 minutes north of Oak Harbor proper, accessed via a small parking area that fills quickly on weekends. The lot holds maybe a dozen vehicles, so if you're going on a Saturday morning, plan to arrive before 7 a.m. or you'll be turning around. There's no formal boat launch here—this is a walk-in spot—so you're either wading, launching a kayak, or bringing a small inflatable.

Bring a pair of wading boots rated for saltwater, because the bottom is soft and uneven. A 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod works for both bass and walleye; 8-pound test line is heavy enough for the fish here and light enough to cast small lures all day without fatigue. A headlamp is worth the space in your pack if you're fishing the first or last hour of light, when the bite is often best.

Bass Fishing in the Shallows

Largemouth bass here run 12 to 16 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 18 inches. They hold tight to the eelgrass beds and around any woody debris you find—fallen branches, old pilings, anything that breaks the line of sight from above. Early morning and late evening are when they move into the shallowest water to feed; midday you'll find them tucked deeper in the grass or in the shade of the point itself.

Throw small topwater lures or soft plastics rigged on a 1/8-ounce jighead. A 3-inch paddletail or a small popper will draw strikes from fish that are actively hunting. Work the edges of the grass rather than casting into the thickest patches—the bass are hunting the transition zone where they can see baitfish moving across open bottom. Smallmouth bass are less common here than largemouths, but they show up in the same areas and respond to the same lures.

Walleye in Spring and Fall

Walleye move into Maylor Point during the spring spawn (March through May) and again in the fall (September through October) when they're feeding hard before winter. They're not as abundant as the bass, but a walleye here will run 16 to 20 inches, and they're a different kind of fight—head-shaking and determined rather than explosive. The best approach is to fish the deeper edge of the point where the bottom drops from 4 feet to 6 or 7 feet.

Use a 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a small minnow or a soft plastic shad. Drop it to the bottom and work it with short, deliberate hops. Walleye are sight hunters but they're also sensitive to vibration, so a steady retrieve with occasional pauses often outfishes aggressive jigging. Fish low-light periods—dawn, dusk, and overcast days—when walleye are most willing to move into the shallows.

Tides and Timing

Maylor Point is tidal water, and the tide swing here is moderate—usually 6 to 8 feet between low and high. Fish the incoming tide when the water is rising and pushing baitfish toward the shallows; the outgoing tide can be productive too, but the water clarity drops as sediment gets stirred up. Slack water (the brief period between tide changes) is often slow because the fish aren't keyed to the movement of prey.

Check the tide tables before you go. A rising tide in the early morning or a falling tide in the late afternoon often produces better than a falling tide at midday. The difference isn't huge, but it's real enough that timing your visit around the tide table will put more fish in the net than ignoring it.

Regulations and Seasons

Washington State saltwater bass and walleye seasons run year-round, but the fish are most active and most catchable during spring and fall. Summer can be slow because the water warms and the fish move deeper or become less aggressive. Winter is possible but the weather makes it miserable, and the fish are scattered.

Check the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife saltwater regulations for daily catch limits and size restrictions before you fish. Regulations change, and what was true last year may not be true this year. A quick look at the WDFW website takes five minutes and keeps you legal.

When Maylor Point Is Crowded or Slow

If you arrive and the parking lot is full, or if you fish for an hour and the bite is dead, you have options nearby. The rest of Oak Harbor's east side has other access points, though most require a boat. If you're wading-only, head back to Oak Harbor proper and look at the public piers or the areas around the marina—they hold similar fish and often see less pressure on weekends.

If the tide is wrong or the season is off, consider making the drive to the west side of Whidbey Island or to the mainland. Maylor Point is a solid half-day spot, but it's not a destination that justifies a long trip if conditions aren't in your favor. Know before you go, and have a backup plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I launch a kayak at Maylor Point?

Yes, you can carry a kayak down to the water and launch from the beach. There's no formal ramp, so you'll be walking it through the shallows. The soft bottom makes for easy launching, and the protected water is ideal for a small kayak.

What's the best time of year to fish Maylor Point?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive for both bass and walleye. Summer can be slow because the fish move deeper, and winter weather makes it uncomfortable.

Do I need a saltwater license to fish here?

Yes, Washington requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the WDFW website or at most sporting goods stores.

How deep is the water at Maylor Point?

The water ranges from 2 to 3 feet near shore to 6 or 7 feet at the deeper edge of the point. Most of the productive fishing happens in 3 to 5 feet of water.

Is there a boat launch nearby if I want to bring a larger boat?

Oak Harbor has a public boat launch a few miles south. Maylor Point itself is a walk-in access only, designed for wading and small watercraft like kayaks or inflatables.